interdependent

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "interdependent" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is typically used to describe two or more parts that rely on one another to function. For example, "The success of this project is deeply intertwined with its many interdependent components."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But its all-pervasiveness also means the origin of all things in their interdependence, that is, their interdependent origination, hence emptiness.

SEP

Plumwood's conception of the self is not a rejection of particularity and individuality; it is a recognition that individual selves are also interdependent beings-in-relationships, not Transcendent Selves who triumph over such interdependencies and relationships.

SEP

The more any country relies on others for key goods and services the more intertwined and interdependent with them it becomes.

The Guardian - Opinion

As economies become ever more interdependent what happens to the eurozone matters greatly to Britain.

The Guardian

Perhaps this is why many states have banned commission rebates a form of discounting or set up "minimum-service" standards that stop brokers offering fewer services for less money.The biggest cause, however, is probably the interdependent nature of the business.

The Economist

But whereas the welfare state could not be easily adapted to fit with the way the world was going, Germany's foreign policy turned out to be far more in tune with the new challenges of an interdependent world.

The Economist

It was more diverse than ever before, and more interdependent with the rest of the world (he painted word-pictures of Iowa farmers digitally studying world commodity prices in real-time).

The Economist

An interdependent Europe is a fact, however much Mr Wilders and his like may hanker for a mythical cosy past.

The Economist

Ecological systems are complex; their life forms interdependent.

The Economist

Sources & acknowledgmentsReprintsIn 1910 Norman Angell, a British journalist, concluded in his book "The Great Illusion" that Europe had become so economically interdependent that war would be futile.

The Economist

His company (the three brothers' businesses are separate but interdependent) has exclusive control of the distribution of the Wus' products in China.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "interdependent", clearly specify the entities or systems that are mutually reliant to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "The systems are interdependent", specify "The economic and political systems are interdependent".

Common error

Avoid assuming that interdependence implies equal power dynamics. Interdependence simply means mutual reliance, not necessarily a balanced or equitable relationship. For example, nations can be interdependent economically, but one might still hold significantly more power.

Linguistic Context

The word "interdependent" functions primarily as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe a state of mutual dependence or reliance between two or more entities. As Ludwig AI points out, it describes how things originate in their mutual relationships.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

28%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "interdependent" functions as an adjective that describes a state of mutual reliance between entities, and it is grammatically correct. Ludwig AI confirms that it describes two or more parts that rely on one another to function. Common in scientific, news, and formal contexts, "interdependent" emphasizes the interconnectedness and reciprocal relationships within systems. To ensure clarity, it's best to explicitly state which elements are interdependent. While many synonyms exist, like "mutually dependent" or "interconnected", "interdependent" precisely conveys mutual reliance, avoiding assumptions of equal power dynamics. Remember that the term, while widely used, carries a nuanced meaning rooted in reciprocal relations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mutually dependent

Replaces "interdependent" with a more direct synonym, emphasizing the reciprocal nature of the dependence.

dependent on one another

A more verbose version emphasizing mutual dependence.

relying on each other

Uses a verb phrase to express the concept of dependence, changing the grammatical structure.

interconnected

Focuses on the connection between elements rather than the dependence, slightly altering the meaning.

linked together

Emphasizes the linkage or association between entities, providing a less formal alternative.

inextricably linked

Highlights the indissoluble and profound nature of the link, indicating a deep interdependence.

reciprocally related

Highlights the reciprocal relationship, which is a more formal and technical alternative.

working in conjunction

Focuses on the cooperative aspect of interdependence, suggesting a shared purpose.

cooperative

A simpler adjective denoting collaboration. It deemphasizes the dependency aspect.

symbiotic

Implies a mutually beneficial relationship, narrower than general interdependence.

FAQs

How can I use "interdependent" in a sentence?

You can use "interdependent" to describe systems or entities that rely on each other. For example, "The global economy is increasingly interdependent" or "The success of each department is interdependent on the performance of the others".

What are some synonyms for "interdependent"?

Alternatives to "interdependent" include "mutually dependent", "interconnected", and "reliant on each other". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say something is "highly interdependent"?

Yes, it is correct. Using "highly" before "interdependent" emphasizes the strong degree of mutual reliance between the entities being described.

What is the difference between "interdependent" and "independent"?

"Interdependent" means mutually reliant, while "independent" means self-sufficient and not reliant on others. They are antonyms.